The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) has stated that the state fisheries company, MIFCO, starting to buy small yellowfin tuna is a good start.
In a social media post expressing their views on the reopening of MIFCO's Kanduoiygiri facility yesterday to buy fish above 15 kg at a rate of MVR 25, the union stated that they consider MIFCO starting to buy small and rejected yellowfin tuna as a good start. They also hope that, in addition to buying small and rejected yellowfin tuna at the price discussed with the government, MIFCO will start buying large yellowfin tuna as soon as possible in accordance with the government's presidential pledge.
MIFCO has started buying yellowfin tuna while BKMU has been repeatedly calling on the government to start buying large yellowfin tuna at MIFCO and to set the minimum buying price for yellowfin tuna between MVR 80 and MVR 100. BKMU has met with the government and relevant authorities regarding this matter to raise the concerns of large yellowfin tuna fishermen and hold discussions.
The government has previously stated that it will listen to the concerns of large yellowfin tuna fishermen and work to bring a sustainable solution. The government is currently preparing to establish a large yellowfin tuna processing facility in Hulhumale. Additionally, MIFCO is preparing to introduce canned yellowfin tuna to the market.
